do you have to pull the axles out of the rear to remove the caliper brackets? If so how exactly do you go about doing that? thanks

 

I believe you do have to remove the axles.
You would have to remove:
differential cover
differential pinion shaft
Then push the axle inward to release the c-clip on the inner end of the axle from where it sits in the side gear. A magnet is handy to fetch the c-clip.
You can then pull the axle out.

 

hmm what a pain...i just want to take the brakes off then sell the rear, but i guess i will take it apart first. the rear is leaking as well...maybe i will go ahead and fix that while im at it. it is dripping from the bottom of the cover which may or may not mean it is actually leaking from there i guess. re sealing the cover and torquing it down should take care of the leak right? thanks shoebox!